Qatar National Library has planned an array of interactive events as part of its celebrations of the Qatar National Day 2017. The activities, which will be held at QNL’s new world-class building in Education City, will highlight Qatar’s heritage and historical achievements. This year also marks the first time QNL will celebrate Qatar National Day since its opening to the public.
QNL’s National Day celebrations reflect its position as both a hub for the community and as a guardian of Qatar’s history and heritage. Numerous activities are aimed at children, including Qatari author Sheikha Al Ziyara reading to children (December 15), a puzzle game, Qatar District Map, in which participants learn about Qatar’s geography (December 17), and Jassim’s Story, an interactive session telling the story of a Qatari child discovering the love of learning (December 17).
Teens, too, can take part in the festivities. On December 17, QNL will host “Letter to the Nation,” during which teens can write letters expressing their feelings about Qatar. Teens can also work together on a Large Map Puzzle of Qatar designed to educate participants about the nation’s geography and destinations (December 17).
“Qatar National Day is a time for the whole community to come together in celebration, and it is also is an excellent time for children and teens to learn more about the country they call home. QNL’s activities are aimed at fostering a love of learning while also cultivating a sense of pride about Qatar,” said Dr. Sohair F. Wastawy, Executive Director, QNL.
QNL’s Heritage Library is staging an exhibition, beginning December 8, to showcase some of the rare items from its collection relating to Qatar’s history and culture. The exhibition is featuring an ancient map of Qatar dating back to 1482.
In addition to the famous work of Uthmān Ibn Sanad Al-Basri, Sabāʼik al-ʻAsjad, highlighting the era of Ahmed Ben Rezk, the famous merchant who lived in Al Zubarah, with a special focus on urban and commercial development, a letter from Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani to one of the top merchants in the Gulf highlighting trade and goods will too be on display.
On December 13, music of the region takes center stage as QNL hosts a concert by the Marasi Ensemble for Traditional Arabic Music. The Marasi Ensemble, part of Qatar Music Academy, will play several traditional Qatari songs in the authentic maqam musical style.
Other Qatar National Day activities at QNL include displays of notable and interesting Tamim Al Majd messages from around Qatar and special activities at the library’s state-of-the-art Innovation Stations. The library’s circulation desk is featuring publications about Qatar and its history, so visitors can learn more about the nation and its people.
